Inverclyde

Overview

Inverclyde occupies the broad expanse of land along the south bank of the estuary of the River Clyde, west of Glasgow and is a region steeped in centuries of maritime and industrial history.

Inverclyde's main towns, the former shipbuilding centres of Greenock, Port Glasgow and Gourock sit on the coastal strip, offering breathtaking views north to the Argyll Hills and Scottish Highlands beginning on the opposite bank of the river. Many of the historical attractions in these towns - the museums and galleries, stately homes and castles - celebrate the areas influential maritime history and industrial past.

Greenock, the largest of the three towns, enjoys a wealth of beautiful civic and domestic buildings, including the McLean Museum, Watt Library and Cathcart Square. As well as impressive architecture, Greenock also offers plenty to the outdoor enthusiast. The Battery Park boasts wide open spaces for a variety of leisure pursuits, and the Lyle Hill affords spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde and up to Ben Lomond. On the summit of the hill stands the Cross of Lorraine, a memorial to the Free French Armed Forces stationed in Greenock during the Second World War.

Port Glasgows main attraction is the 15th-century Newark Castle. Nearby is Coronation Park, the former site of the towns old harbour. In 1962, a replica of the SS Comet was built to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first sailing of a commercial steamship in Europe. It was recently refurbished and is now located opposite the Park.

Gourock sits at the mouth of the Clyde and has a long-established rail and ferry terminal providing regular services to Dunoon and Helensburgh. There is a folly on Tower Hill, a short if steep walk from the town centre which provides excellent views over the Clyde and surrounding hills.

The towns provide a marked contrast to the small coastal settlements of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to the south west of the area and except for the picturesque rural villages of Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village the landward areas are sparsely populated offering a further contrast.